Tailwheel Aircraft Ground Loop and Nose Over During Landing

Casualties unknown • Anchorage, AK, US

A pilot experienced a loss of directional control during landing, resulting in a ground loop and structural damage to a tundra tire-equipped aircraft.

What happened

During the landing phase on a dry, paved runway, the pilot was operating a tailwheel airplane equipped with tundra tires. The weather conditions at the time included clear skies, 10 statute miles of visibility, and a light wind from 280 degrees magnetic at 5 knots, representing a slight crosswind from the pilot's right.

Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced a slight bounce before settling onto the right main tire. Following this contact, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. The aircraft veered off the runway to the left, entered a ground loop to the left, and subsequently nosed over. The aircraft sustained structural damage to its wings, fuselage, and empennage.

Findings

Prior to the accident, the pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical problems with the aircraft.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain directional control following a bounce during landing led to a ground loop and subsequent nose over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-04-25 Cessna 180 accident near Anchorage, AK?

A pilot experienced a loss of directional control during landing, resulting in a ground loop and structural damage to a tundra tire-equipped aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-04-25 involved a Cessna 180, registration N4563B, operated by Gary R. Larose, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inability to maintain directional control following a bounce during landing led to a ground loop and subsequent nose over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050519X00637. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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